An act relating to mental health response service guidelines and the safety of social service and home health providers

This bill establishes guidelines for mental health emergency responses and enhances safety protections for social service and home health workers in Vermont. It directs the Department of Mental Health to create best practice guidelines for de-escalation and crisis response services, while requiring the Agency of Human Services to hold meetings with social service organizations to address provider safety concerns. The legislation also allows home health agencies to deny admission or refuse visits if a previously discharged individual who exhibited unsafe behavior may be present, provided the behavior cannot be reasonably mitigated, and mandates that agencies notify individuals of such denials with reasons and complaint information. Additionally, the bill requires state agencies to report to the General Assembly on the implementation of these safety measures, including statistics on discharges and denials of service.